|
One of my favorite things to do is
to browse in book stores, preferably in a Barnes & Nobles where
I can also get a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate. I can
spend a lot of time reading a bit here and there.
A few months ago, I came across a
little book entitled Thank You Power. It was
written by Deborah Norville of The Today Show and inside
Edition fame. I was getting ready to preach on our need to
give thanks so I read a bunch of the book right there in the
store.
The point Ms. Norville made was
that there is power released in our lives, attitudes, and
relationships when we practice the discipline of saying thank
you. There is something about saying "thank you" to the
Lord and others which cause positive benefits to flow into our
lives.
In writing about "Thank You Power"
Ms. Norville was sharing a truth about the way we humans are
knit together that Jesus followers have known for a long time.
The Scripture cited above is Paul's exhortation to all of us to
tap into "Thank You Power."
I admit there are times when
saying "thank you" requires a much self discipline. When
life is tough it can be hard to see anything for which to be
thankful. However it is in those tough times of life we
especially need to express our thanks. It is as we look
for things to say thank you about that our attitude begins to
change.
Here are a few suggestions about
how to release Thank You Power in your own life...
Thank God for three things as
you wake up in the morning. Do this for at least one
week.
For every complaint you voice
discipline yourself to share three thank yous with either
the Lord or a Friend.
When thanking others make eye
contact with the person as you thank her or him.
Write three thank you notes
each week. Write some of the notes to "behind the
scene" folks who may not get much recognition for their
contributions.
As you go to bed, say thanks
to the Lord for three things which have happened during the
day.
Let's be releasing "Thank You
Power" in our lives, homes, church, and world.
All for Jesus,
Pastor Tim
amzd2t@msn.com
|
